Hartmann's Procedure

The Hartmann's procedure was first described by Henri Hartmann in 1921 and later modified by Boyden in 1950. The operation was used to treat colon cancer or diverticulitis, avoiding an abdominal-perineal resection (Miles' operation).

Hartmann's procedure involves removal of a part of the large intestine. After resection of the tumor and closure of the rectal stump the patient receives an end colostomy.

Hartmann's procedure is mostly used as an emergency operation on patients who do not support more extensive surgery, or where anastomosis is not possible.

Reversal

Hartmann's procedure is reversible in most of the cases. Your surgeon will connect the two ends of your intestine back together, but restoring the normal function of your bowels and getting rid of the colostomy.